Cycling in Northern Cape Breton

The Cabot Trail is famous world wide as a cycling destination. What’s less well-known, however, is that the section of the Cabot Trail boasting the truly great riding is the section surrounding the “Top of the Island” region, that section from Margaree Harbour on the west to Cape Smokey, just south of Ingonish on the east. The remainder of the Trail outside these boundaries is largely out of sight of the ocean, and the roads these sections of the Trail are often narrow, heavily traveled and in less-than-ideal condition for cycling.

Guided off-road bicycle tour | Photo by Sea Spray Outdoor Adventures

A popular alternative to round-the-Trail cycling is to base oneself at the Trail’s northern tip, in the heart of the most scenic cycling, and to then plan day trips from that location, experiencing the region’s most scenic rides.